Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The goal of the Emerging Technological Enterprises Program is to provide grants, loans, and other investments to emerging technology enterprises to support and encourage: (i) commercialization of technology based products and services; (ii) technology transfer projects involving the promotion of new or innovative technologies; or (iii) research and development projects to respond to unique, advanced technology projects and which foster the development of Illinois’ economy through the advancement of the State’s economic, scientific, and technological assets.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (external link)

SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program (external link)

STTR is an important new small business program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena. Central to the program is expansion of the public/private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small business and the nation's premier nonprofit research institutions. STTR's most important role is to foster the innovation necessary to meet the nation's scientific and technological challenges in the 21st century.

Eliminate the Digital Divide 2012-13 Grant Program

Please note that the deadline for submitting an application for the 2012-13 grant cycle has passed. Recipients are expected to be announced in June.

Upcoming Event

The Digital Divide Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. This is free and open to the public. Click here for a copy of Wednesday's agenda.

   Eliminate the Digital Divide Advisory Committee Meeting
   Wednesday, April 11, 2012
   10:00 am
   Michael A. Bilandic Building
   160 N. LaSalle St.
   Room N-502
   Chicago, IL 60601

For more information, contact Joey.Mak@illinois.gov.

DESCRIPTION

The Eliminate the Digital Divide grant program seeks to provide access to computers, telecommunications technologies and related training to disadvantaged communities. Under this program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is authorized to award grants of up to $75,000 to plan, establish, administer and expand Community Technology Centers (CTC’s) and to support basic computer literacy training programs.

Eliminate the Digital Divide

Local Exchange Carriers (LECs)
Collection and Remittance of Voluntary Contributions
During the rewrite of the Illinois telecommunications law, the Illinois General Assembly incorporated language into the Public Utilities Act (“PUA”) requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission (“Commission”) to develop a rule that requires each telecommunications carrier to notify its customers that if the customer wishes to participate in the funding of the Program to Foster Elimination of the Digital Divide they may do so by electing to contribute on a monthly basis through their telephone bill. Governor Ryan signed Public Act 92-0022 into law on June 29, 2001.